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AFT Singles class showcases new talent
The AFT Singles class has a rich history of nurturing fresh talent in motorcycle racing. This past Saturday night at Ventura Raceway, the spotlight shone brightly on a new star, Kage Tadman. With a mixture of nerves and excitement, the 17-year-old Californian made his professional racing debut with the ambitious goal of simply qualifying for the Main Event. However, Tadman’s performance exceeded all expectations, marking a memorable start to his career.
A remarkable debut performance
Right from the beginning, Kage Tadman set the tone for the night. After a strong showing in practice, he quickly established himself as the rider to watch. He not only secured a spot in the Main Event but also dominated the qualifying rounds, finishing at the top. Tadman’s victory in the AFT Singles 1st Impressions Challenge showcased his remarkable skill and confidence, but it was the Main Event where he truly stole the show.
Throughout the race, Tadman executed an impressive riding style, utilizing an ultra-wide line that kept both his front and rear wheels on the edge of control. His ability to maintain speed and navigate the challenging track conditions made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Chase Saathoff’s competitive spirit
Chase Saathoff, another rising star in the AFT Singles class, entered Ventura Raceway with momentum from his first Short Track victory. Determined to challenge Tadman, Saathoff adopted a more conservative inside line, hoping to outmaneuver the rookie. While he was able to chip away at Tadman’s lead, the 17-year-old’s relentless pace proved too formidable. In what can only be described as a stunning performance, Tadman crossed the finish line with nearly a one-second lead, marking an impressive 100% winning percentage in his debut.
After the race, Tadman reflected on his journey, stating, “It all starts in practice. I felt really good in practice. We knew there were a few things to work on to get quicker, but this is a dream night. I would never have thought this could have happened in my rookie debut.” His words underscore the hard work and dedication that have brought him to this pivotal moment in his racing career.
California’s strong representation on the podium
Joining Tadman on the podium was Tarren Santero, another Californian who secured third place with a determined effort. Santero needed a strong result after a slow start to the season, and he delivered by overtaking points leader Tom Drane. This podium finish marked his second career top-three placement in the AFT Singles class.
Drane, the Australian rider, saw his impressive nine-race podium streak come to an end with a fourth-place finish. Nevertheless, he maintained his position at the top of the championship standings, holding a slim two-point lead over Saathoff.
Top finishers and upcoming events
Trevor Brunner rounded out the top five after a fierce battle with Jared Lowe and Aidan RoosEvans. The competition was fierce throughout the race, with the top ten filled with talented riders, including Justin Anselmi, Evan Renshaw, and Reece Pottorf.
Earlier that evening, Madicela Rodriguez achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Main Event, narrowly defeating Emma Gottsch, with Taia Little securing the final podium spot.
What’s next for the AFT Singles class?
As the AFT Singles class continues to captivate audiences, the next event will be at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on May 3. Fans can purchase tickets to witness the excitement live or catch the action through FloRacing, the official streaming partner of Progressive AFT.
For those eager to relive the thrilling moments from Ventura Raceway, FOX Sports will air comprehensive coverage on FS1, featuring insightful commentary and thrilling onboard camera footage. Tune in on May 4 at 1:00 p.m. ET to catch all the action.